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Emsworth Arts Trail preparation

I am really excited to be part of the Emsworth Arts Trail this year. The trail is taking place on the 28th and 29th April and 5th, 6th and 7th May. The trail gives people the opportunity to visit almost 100 artists and makers in their studios and in various venues in and around the beautiful waterside village of Emsworth. I will be exhibiting at venue number 8 in my ‘mobile studio’ otherwise known as my childhood vintage caravan which has been restored into a quirky little studio. This will be the first of many outings for ‘Studio 85’ this year!

Along with examples of my animal portraits, greetings cards and various other prints, I am hoping that my current project will be complete and ready to be displayed along with prints which can be  purchased. Here is a little peak at the work in progress.

There is still a week to go until the trail starts but it was fantastic to meet fellow artists at the sneak preview at the Brookfield hotel. It really is going to be a great event with so much talent in and around Emsworth.

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Launching Studio 85 and preparing for our first Christmas market

This autumn has been incredibly busy! Restoring and setting up the studio (aka Charlotte’s old family caravan), creating a functioning workshop, making space in our home for paper, supplies, bags, envelopes, cards, notebooks (the list goes on), branding, website building and most importantly – creating the artwork and products!

It has been an exciting process despite being a little exhausting at times.

It seemed like a long way off when Charlotte signed up for the Salisbury Christmas Market in the spring. However, it has quickly approached and has been the motivation behind launching Studio 85.

Here are a few images from behind the scenes of the hard work that has taken place from Charlotte and Dave and their family and friends.

                   

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Restoration Project

After years of dabbling in creative projects, Charlotte decided to take her art work a bit more seriously. David, who loves any sort of restoration project decided to salvage her childhood caravan to create the perfect art studio.

Let the fun begin!

THE BIG TOW

The little caravan is picked up form Sussex and towed the 60miles back to its new home in Hampshire.

THE BIG STRIP OUT

The big strip out begins in earnest, lots of mess and fun as the rotten wall panels and floor panels are removed and much of the soggy insulation is removed.

THE BIG RE-BUILD!!

New insulation is cut and installed in the old frame.

New foil faced insulation is installed over the frame and under the wall panels to improve the thermal performance.

Built in furniture and walls are constructed.

Curved wall goes in

Fitted furniture and kitchen goes

The van in its new home in the garden behind the apple tree

The fiddly job of window trims and seals

Inside starting to take shape with some finishing touches